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Friday, June 14, 2013

Best of the Week #107

Well, folks, it’s been a busy week around here.I’m headed to Colorado at the end of the
month for some hiking, biking, rest and relaxation, and a wedding, and trying
to finish up all the things before I leave has been a bit harder than I
had anticipated.But, it's Friday,
and now it’s time for your Best of the Week!

As you all know, Mollie is quite the runner.I’m at the start of my return to running, so
rather than bore you with the details of what it’s like to run after taking
some time off (so much pain!), we’re going to talk sports.

First, RAFA WON THE FRENCH OPEN!!His semifinal match against Djokovic was epic.The final against Ferrer?Not
so epic.

It's actually not made of gold, but who cares! RAFA!

Ever the fashionista, he wore shorts to match the clay.

Equally awesome, on Friday the US Men’s National Team, beat
Jamaica 2-1 on a stoppage time winner, and on Tuesday they beat Panama 2-0.That’s two
solid wins (and 6 points) IN THE SAME WEEK!No one’s arguing that Jamaica or Panama are renowned for their prowess
on the pitch, but USMNT now sits atop the group for World Cup qualifying.USA!USA!

Jozy slots home the first goal. USA! USA!

Also, somewhat related to sports, but mostly related to my
childhood (and, I hope, the childhoods of many readers), Squints Palledorous
and the Great Hambino hang
out in real life!YES!

This movie may or may not have defined my childhood.

Moving away from sports, but still only kind of, did you know that
cheetahs are amazing predators not because of their flat out speed, but
because of their agility?I didn’t.So if you did, you’re smarter than me (which,
if I’m honest, probably isn’t saying all that much)!

“We saw remarkably high accelerations,
four times higher ... than we see for Usain Bolt when he ran his world record,”
says Wilson.

The animals were similarly quick in
slowing down and turning sharp corners, Wilson says. “They can accelerate, they
can maneuver. They can duck and dive. And that's what they need to do to
capture their prey.”

Bicycles!Bicycles!And more bicycles!We need to make DC a more bike friendly city.One way to do it is for more people to ride
their bikes.If Tyler Clippard, set-up
man extraordinaire for our very own Washington Nationals, can
do it, you can do it too!

Go Nats!

While we’re on the subject of cycling around the city (not
that I actually directed us here, or anything), an underground
robotic bike valet would make parking bikes SO MUCH EASIER!And might encourage more folks knock the dust
of their bikes and explore the city.I
say go for it, DC!

Some readers may remember that I rather strongly believe
that it ought to be socially acceptable to wear superhero costumes in
public.And in the spirit of Father’s
Day (it’s Sunday; don’t forget!), this is, without question, your BEST OF THE
WEEK.